The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is interested in supporting ambitious research projects to elucidate mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD) organized as a “Center without Walls” consortium. NINDS Centers without Walls are collaborative research networks that bring together diverse expertise from different institutions to tackle complex neurological problems that are not tractable by individual research projects.

This program is considering using an activity code, such as the RM1, that enables interdisciplinary research consortia capable of identifying and characterizing novel ADRD mechanisms. Teams may include cross-disciplinary and cross-specialty expertise to address the complex co-pathologies, mixed etiologies, and disease heterogeneity in ADRD.

This program is anticipated to support teams that can combine multiple approaches, such as state-of-the-art technologies, disease-relevant models, clinical science, and human specimens, to investigate unique disease mechanisms and identify new therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and other factors influencing ADRD susceptibility, resilience, and pathology. One awardee team would serve as a coordinating center for all awardees to facilitate recurring meetings, data harmonization and sharing, cross-site communication, and support the implementation of inter-laboratory rigor and reproducibility plans.

This program is informed by key priorities from the ADRD Summit 2025, including embracing ADRD complexity and breaking down topic- and disease-based silos, and is intended to provide a mechanistic foundation for future translational and clinical ADRD research.

Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. Investigators with complementary expertise in ADRD mechanisms, clinical phenotypes, and advanced technologies are encouraged to contact agency staff listed below for additional information. 

Government

• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• State governments
• County governments
• Public and Indian housing authorities
• City or township governments
• Special district governments

Nonprofit

• Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)
• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
• Other Native American tribal organizations

Miscellaneous

• Other

Education

• Private institutions of higher education
• Independent school districts
• Public and state institutions of higher education

Business

• Small businesses
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses